LET US MAKE DECISIVE PROGRESS TOWARD GOAL OF FULL UNITY

VATICAN CITY, JUL 2, 2004 (VIS) - Nearing the conclusion of his visit to Rome, Bartholomew I, ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople, paid a farewell visit yesterday afternoon to the Pope, following which they both signed a Common Declaration. The patriarch arrived in Rome on June 28 and departs at noon today.

  John Paul II said: "Together let us give thanks to God" for having been able "to show the faithful a clear sign of our fraternity and to confirm the proposal to make decisive progress toward full unity between Catholics and Orthodox. There is great need for these signs of communion, as well as for the words that accompany them and explain them which we have written in the joint declaration."

  "Another important event during these days, which has been a motive for special joy for me, is to have had the opportunity to grant the ecumenical patriarchate use of the church of St. Theodore on the Palatine Hill in the heart of ancient Rome. This will allow the faithful of the Greek-Orthodox archdiocese in Italy to have a significant and continuing presence close to the tomb of the Apostle Peter.  All of this, we know, is a gift from God. And it is beautiful that brothers and sisters live together in this common recognition."

  The Holy Father thanked His Holiness Bartholomew I and the members of his entourage. He concluded by saying: "With the memory of these days of grace, and today's meeting, may we remain in communion in prayer and fraternal charity."
AC/FAREWELL/BARTHOLOMEW I                VIS 20040702 (250)